The word discipline comes from the Latin word discere, “to learn,” or discipulus, “learner,” making a disciple a student and follower.1 To discipline in the Lord’s way is to lovingly and patiently teach. In the scriptures the Lord often uses the word chasten when speaking of discipline (see, for example, Mosiah 23:21; D&C 95:1). The word chasten comes from the Latin castus, meaning “chaste or pure,” and chasten means “to purify.”2
Lynn G. Robbins
I loved the quote from George Albert Smith when he said "Unkind things are not usually said under the inspiration of the Lord." The spirit of the Lord is the spirit of Kindness, patience, Charity, Love, Long Suffering, and Temperance. These the thing things we learn when we become missionaries in D & C 4. We need those same qualities as we become parents.
ReplyDeleteI also loved the quote by President Monson "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." This is how Heavenly Father does it.
Dad and I are so proud of each of you as we watch you train and encourage your children. Mariah shows those qualities as she works with the young women. You are truly become Christ like as you learn how to train and teach your children to become more like the Savior.
Love---Mom
I hope you each have opportunity to read and ponder again the words of Elder Robbins. Bishops are the common judges in Israel. There are profound words here to Bishops. But there is another judge that God placed here on earth...parent. Daily a parent is forced to be a judge. These words of Elder Robbins have full meaning and effect for we parents. Judge as Christ would judge; but it is not easy. The caring, loving Christ always found a way to lift the soul needing to repent. Righteous judgment is not ignoring a problem or situation. Compassion can not rob discipline, just as mercy cannot rob justice. Righteous discipline is Christ-like instruction. A parent judge is also a parent disciplinarian. As pointed out in this talk, the Holy Ghost must be our partner in judgment and discipline. Much to ponder in this talk if I am to improve and become more Christ-like.
ReplyDeleteI loved those quotes mom picked out. Another one that stood out to me was "Compassion doesn't nullify the need for discipline." It's a fine line to walk being a parent and disciplinarian these days. Many parents try to be there child's friend, when really they need someone who loves them enough to correct them and push them to reach their potential, even though it may mean playing the role of a judge sometimes. Another important point he brought out was the power of kindness and using Christlike attributes when we have to have conversations with those that we love, sharing things that could potentially be taken as offensive when they are meant to be helpful and shared with concern and love. As I look around our family – I think the easiest time for parenting may have been when my children were little. It's much more difficult now as they have their own agency and are accountable for their own choices. That being said – the critical time was when they were younger and more easily taught. If there's one thing I've learned – it's that children are very perceptive no matter what age they are. Sometimes the best way to pass judgment or discipline is by setting a good example. Thank heavens we have two good parents to set such a great example for us.
ReplyDeleteSo I am back...sorry for the long absence. Elder Robbins talk was one of those that I missed amid the chaos of taking care of the kids activities while "watching conference." This talk really hit home to me as to what I can do to be a better parent as far as disciplining goes. How am I making the opportunities from the moments I have to discipline my kids give them the experience of learning. Are they really learning or being lectured to? I hope that the discipline experiences are making them "more pure" as they learn to choose the right not out of fear but because it is the better way. The Lord's way.
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